Pearl Harbor attack in 'Pulang Araw': Ricky Lee on making history resonate with audiences

MANILA, Philippines — As the four main characters of "Pulang Araw" deal with their suppressed feelings, tonight's episode will let viewers see the horrors brought by the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941. 

Almost a month since the historical show premiered on streaming platform Netflix and on free TV via GMA-7, "Pulang Araw" is moving at a faster pace as the war breaks out, affecting the lives of Filipinos, including the four central characters of the show. 

Two pairs are holding back their real feelings in the name of friendship and family. 

Adelina (Barbie Forteza) distances herself from her childhood friend and secret love Hiroshi (David Licauco), who was arranged to be married to her older, half-sister Teresita (Sanya Lopez). 

After rebelling against her mother's (Angelu de Leon) wishes, Teresita finds herself engaged to Hiroshi for the sake of her family. Like his younger sibling Adelina, Eduardo (Alden Richards) has to move on and forget about his long-held love for Teresita. 

Adelina and Eduardo share the same mother Filipina (Rhian Ramos), while Adelina and Teresita share the same father, Julio (Epy Quizon). Thus, Teresita and Eduardo are not blood-related. 

Without time to resolve their conflict that is affecting their friendship and relationships, the four main characters have to deal with an impending war that will sweep not just the Philippines but the world. 

It is in this context that makes a drama resonate with audiences. 

In an interview with Philstar.com after the grand press conference for the show last June, National Artist Ricky Lee shared his thoughts on how historical shows on TV are relevant and relatable to today's audience. 

Lee is a creative consultant at GMA-7, the producer of the show. 

The master author and screenwriter said that history shapes a person's present, in the same way that it defines a nation. 

"Naniniwala ako na kung anuman ikaw ngayon, nanggaling ka sa nakalipas mo. Kung anuman ang sitwasyon natin ngayon, nag-ugat 'yun sa pinanggalingan natin noon. So, hindi mo pwede ihiwalay," said Lee. 

He stressed that history might not be easy to digest, especially those that tackle sensitive issues and traumatic events, but